1867 The Virtual Pfaffenthal (general)

I went to visit Pfaffenthal↑ in complete ignorance. I hadn’t read any blog posts at that point, so I didn’t really have any idea what I was going to find.

I came away with a renewed understanding of how much world history I don’t know. This was a very cool experience!

1867 The Virtual Pfaffenthal (general)

If, like me, you were unaware – Pfaffenthal is the name of a quarter in Luxembourg City↑. In the mid 1900s it was home to a Fortress known as the Gilbralter of the North↑, the culmination of 9 centuries of fortification.

As a result of a major kerfuffle known as the Luxembourg Crisis↑, the 1867 Treaty of London decreed that the fortifications had to be torn down.

1867 The Virtual Pfaffenthal (general)

As part of a major exhibition, the Luxembourg City Museum has commissioned an 8 sim build recreating Pfaffenthal before the dismantling took place.

Their website↑ highlights this component of the full exhibit, and even provides quotes from some of our favourite travel bloggers. Visitors to the Museum can use Occulus Rift to explore the virtual build, but all of us can access it through our viewer.

1867 The Virtual Pfaffenthal (general)

The landing point provides an informative notecard and free avatars in the appropriate period costume. You’ll also encounter friendly guides and support staff.

The build itself is wonderful (and beautiful). I found a 1904 photo of the street portrayed above↑ – it’s a remarkably accurate reproduction. Go wander the streets of Pfaffenthal and learn something about the City of Luxembourg in 1867. I loved it!

1867 The Virtual Pfaffenthal (general)